LAHORE:
South of the Orange-Line train station and across the University of Engineering and Technology on the G.T. Road, lies a 193-year-old multicultural cemetery. Previously it was possible to access directly from the G.T. Road, but when the railway station was built, a strong iron gate was installed in front of the cemetery.
Inside the not-so-large cemetery are about a dozen single-story graves and a small caretaker's room on one side. An ancient and huge banyan tree, a symbol of life and fertility in Hinduism, stands guard at the cemetery, which also houses a small church and a mortuary for performing final rites.
Close to this cemetery is the ancient Muslim cemetery Buddhu-ka-Awa and a Christian cemetery, with a section of this cemetery also reserved for Christians. Many Christians who live near the cemetery also bury their dead here. Like many other waqf-owned cemeteries, this one is in a state of neglect and decay.
The cemetery was handed over by the Government of Pakistan to the Punjab Government in 2012 and a wall was built around it, but no construction or restoration work has been carried out since then. More than half of the cemetery has been invaded by tall grass, while the eastern wall is on the verge of collapse. When it rains, the cemetery is often flooded. The earth is hard, which makes digging graves difficult, as the soil contains stones, plastic and pieces of rubber. A water connection is available, but without taps it is difficult to get water.
"Trees and bushes have grown inside, and some time ago the boundary of the nearby shoe factory extended to the graveyard, which is why even today when you dig into the grave, you find plastic, rubber pieces and the remains of shoes," says Amarnath Randhawa, a local leader of the Valmik-Hindu community , and discusses the neglected state of the cemetery where his ancestors are buried. “Since the installation of the gate, no other work has been done by the provincial government. We have appealed several times to the District Commissioner, Lahore, to allocate funds for the restoration work of the cemetery, such as earth filling, repairs and installation of taps. The previous government had allocated Rs 2 million which the current government has withdrawn. We are asking the current government to release the frozen funds so they can be used to improve the condition of the cemetery. Funds were also allocated earlier, but lapsed as they were not released. The members of the local minority in the council have also not yet paid attention to these issues.
The Valmiki-Hindu community is the largest Dalit (Scheduled Caste) population in Pakistan. Valmikism is a Hindu sect that worships the sage Valmiki, also known as Bala Shah or Lal Beg, as its ancestor or patron. His followers believe that Valmiki was an avatar of God and consider his works, the Ramayana and the Yoga Vasistha, as their holy scriptures. Sage Valmiki is often depicted wearing red clothes and is therefore known as Lal Bhekh or Lal Beg.
All graves are in a similar state of disrepair, except for two that are somewhat different and in relatively better condition. One of them belongs to Baba Saudagar Ram, who is believed to be from the Sufi sect, while the other grave belongs to Baba Haveli Shah.
These graves have been the subject of dispute between Muslims, Christians and the Valmiki community as the three communities claim Haveli Shah as a follower of their respective faiths. The tombstone bears his name and 1968 as the date of his death. The dispute was finally settled by the court in favor of the Valmikas, who have no objection to Christians or proper Hindus burying their dead here.
Randhawa explained that some Hindus are Shahs and are often mistaken for Muslims. So Haveli Shah could be a Hindu with the name Shah. But the inscriptions on his tomb, including the Muslim creed and other sacred words, add weight to the claim that he may have been a Muslim. He is also believed to have belonged to the Sufi lineage of the Noshahi and Qadri orders.
However, local Muslims have no substantial information about the origin of this revered person.
Since the cemetery is located along the G.T. Along the road, which is a high-value prime site, some elements have also tried to use a religious angle to gain access or control over the cemetery and use it for industrial purposes
Some local residents invaded the cemetery land, occupied it and built workshops and a match factory in the cemetery. However, in August 1992, following the Supreme Court's decision, the bench ordered the removal of the encroachment and handed it over to the Valmiki-Hindu community.
Earlier there used to be four to five thousand Valmiki-Hindus in Lahore, now their number has decreased significantly. Most Scheduled Caste Hindus converted to Christianity because, as Scheduled Caste Hindus, they did not get jobs in government institutions, nor did they have access to health and educational facilities that were easily available to the Christian community. But the graves of their elders who left when they were still practicing Valmikis are located in this graveyard. Even after the Valmiki-Hindus converted to Christianity, they continued to bury their dead in this graveyard.
Parvez Masih, a local Christian, disagrees with the Muslim claim regarding Haveli Shah's tomb. "Haveli Shah belonged to the Hindu-Valmian community who had embraced Christianity for socio-economic reasons and therefore he was a Christian."
Shaukat, a Christian undertaker claims to have seen Haveli Shah when he was alive. Apparently he was a worker making fireworks.
According to local Hindus, this graveyard has been present since 1830 and over the years Scheduled Caste Hindus have buried their dead here. “Although the Hindu community cremates their dead, the Valmikis and some Scheduled Caste Hindus mostly bury their dead,” says Randhawa.
Randhawa explained that Maharishi Swami Valami, the founder of the Valmiki community, was against idol worship, so there are no idols of deities in Valmiki temples. Unlike mainstream Hindus, Valmiki Hindus read the Vedas, recite the Ramayana, and bury their dead. During the partition, most of the Valmiki Hindus remained in Pakistan and besides Bheels, Dalits and Meghwar Hindus also settled this side of the border.
"One of my ancestors, Chaudhry Tara Chand Randhawa, played an active role in the Pakistan movement and his grave is also here," says Randhawa. Another ancestor, Hiralal Randhawa, fought a long legal battle to reclaim the graveyard after the death of Bhagat Ashiq Ram.
After discovering that several ancestral graves have been exhumed and damaged, Randhawa's biggest problem is the grave robbing he suspects is going on in the cemetery. He urges the authorities to pay due attention to the neglected cemetery and release the allocated funds before they fall into disrepair so that restoration work can be carried out in this century old cemetery so that the Valmikis of Lahore can bury their dead with dignity.
Unveiling of Memorial to Historic Melting Pot in Lahore
A city with a glorious past and a vibrant present, Lahore is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different cultures. Its historic melting pot gave birth to a unique blend of traditions, languages and architecture. At the heart of this cultural tapestry lies a monument that encapsulates the spirit of Lahore – a monument that embodies the evolution of the city over time.
Uncovering the Past: The Meaning of Lahore's Melting Pot
Lahore has long been a crossroads of civilizations, where empires rose and fell, leaving behind their indelible marks. From the Mughals to the British Raj, each era has contributed to the city's eclectic heritage. This melting pot of influences gave birth to a distinct Lahori identity, blending Persian, Indian, Central Asian and Western elements into a captivating blend.
An Iconic Monument: A Beacon of Lahore's Diversity
In the middle of the bustling streets of Lahore, an iconic monument stands proudly, symbolizing the city's historic melting pot. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of styles that reflect the diverse cultures that have converged here. Intricate carvings reflect the artistic prowess of various civilizations, while towering minarets pay tribute to Lahore's spiritual diversity.
Hit the road: Explore the cultural tapestry of Lahore
Stepping into the shadow of the monument takes you on a journey through Lahore's past. The galleries and exhibitions within its walls tell the stories of the merchants, poets, rulers and dreamers who shaped the city. Interactive exhibits offer a glimpse into the languages, cuisines and music that flourished in Lahore's embrace.
Preserving the Legacy: The Monument as a Cultural Nexus
Apart from its historical significance, the memorial serves as a cultural nexus and hosts events that celebrate the diversity of Lahore. Festivals, performances and exhibitions showcase the city's living traditions and foster an environment of unity and appreciation. It stands not only as a vestige of the past but as a living testament to Lahore's continued embrace of its identity as a melting pot.
A tribute to Lahore's Eternal Fusion
Lahore's historic melting pot is a story of resilience, adaptation and coexistence. The iconic monument stands as a tribute to this eternal fusion of cultures. It invites travelers, scholars and curious minds to delve into the depths of Lahore's history and witness the magic that emerges when different traditions intertwine.
Interested in Lahore's past and present? Experience the city's cultural tapestry firsthand at a monumental crossroads where history and diversity converge. Learn how Lahore's melting pot shaped its destiny and continues to be a beacon of unity in a world of difference.
Discover the living legacy of Lahore's rich history in our magnificent monument, a true celebration of its unique identity as a historical melting pot. Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Lahore's diverse cultures, harmoniously interwoven throughout the centuries. This iconic landmark is a testament to the city's remarkable past and its role as a melting pot of cultural fusion.
Unveiling the cultural mosaic in Lahore
Our memorial pays tribute to Lahore's role as a crossroads of civilizations. With influences from the Mughals, Sikhs, British and various other cultures, Lahore's tapestry is a dazzling display of unity in diversity. From intricate architecture to delicious cuisine, this monument encapsulates the essence of every era that has left its mark on Lahore.
An architectural marvel
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, our monument reflects the architectural styles that shaped the landscape of Lahore. The majesty of the Mughal minarets matches the majestic British columns that symbolize the city's journey through time. Every arch, every column and every carving whispers stories of Lahore's dynamic past, inviting visitors to step back in time.
Cultural fusion in stone and marble
Crafted by skilled craftsmen, the monument is a work of art in itself. The exterior is decorated with intricate patterns reminiscent of renowned urban textiles. Marble sculptures of historical figures pay tribute to the visionaries who contributed to Lahore's eclectic heritage. Every brushstroke of history is captured in stone, preserving the spirit of Lahore's melting pot.
A journey through time
Walking through the galleries of the memorial will take you on a journey through the eras of Lahore. Galleries dedicated to different periods showcase artifacts, artwork, and multimedia presentations that bring history to life. Stroll through the bustling bazaars of the Mughal era, witness the glory of the Sikh Empire and experience the transformation under British rule.
Interactive teaching
Our monument is not just a static structure; it is a living testimony of the past. Engage with engaging exhibits that allow you to touch, hear and feel history. Hear the echo of traditional music, savor the aromas of ancient recipes and engage in interactive displays that will captivate your senses. This is history remade.
Preserving Lahore's Legacy
More than a tourist attraction, our memorial is a guardian of Lahore's heritage. Through careful restoration efforts and educational initiatives, we ensure that the stories embedded within its walls remain alive for generations to come. By visiting, you will become a part of this heritage and contribute to the preservation of Lahore's historic melting pot.
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